What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving. All distractions endanger driver, passenger, and bystander safety. These types of distractions include:
- Texting
- Using a cell phone or smartphone
- Eating and drinking
- Talking to passengers
- Grooming
- Reading, including maps
- Using a navigation system
- Watching a video
- Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player
But, because text messaging requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver, it is by far the most alarming distraction.
- 71% of teens and young people say they have composed/sent SMS messages while driving.
- 78% of teens and young adults say they have read an SMS message while driving.
The best way to end distracted driving is to educate all Americans about the danger it poses.
If you don’t already think distracted driving is a safety problem, please take a moment to learn more. And, as with everything on Distraction.gov, please share these facts with others. Together, we can help save lives.
-Public Service Publication from NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
Types Of Distracted Driving
There are three main types of Distracted Driving:
- Manual: taking your hands off the wheel (such as reaching for a cell phone, dialing and texting)
- Visual: taking your eyes off the road (such as reading an electronic device, or map)
- Cognitive: taking your mind off driving (such as being engrossed in a conversation, or reading a text or email)
Dangers Of Distracted Driving
According to National statistics, in 2012, approximately 3,328 people were killed and 421,000 people were injured on our Nation’s roadways due to distraction-related accidents. These are known cases where the cause of accident was due to Distracted Driving. Driver’s under the age of 20 account for the largest proportion of distracted drivers who cause accidents. 10% of all driver’s under the age of 20 who were involved in “fatal” crashes, were reported to be distracted at the time of the accident.
“Five seconds is the average time your eyes are off the road while texting. When traveling at 55mpg, that’s enough time to cover the length of a football field blindfolded.”
“Headset cell phone use is not substantially safer than hand-held use.”
“Engaging in visual-manual subtasks (such as reaching for a phone, dialing and texting) associated with the use of hand-held phones and other portable devices increased the risk of getting into a crash by three times.”
-VTTI (Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, 2009)
The use of cell phones has been reported in 18% of distraction-related fatalities. It doesn’t matter whether the phone is being held to the ear, or being used hands free, studies have shown that “inattention blindness” impairs a driver’s reaction times, often resulting in crashes.
“At any given daylight moment across America, approximately 660,000 drivers are breaking the law, by holding a cellphone up to their ear, or manipulating electronic devices while driving, a number that has held steady since 2010.” – NOPUS (National Occupant Protection Use Survey, #811719)
Distracted Driving Related Accidents
- Motor Vehicle Accidents
- Pedestrian-Vehicle Accidents
Contact An Experienced Southern California Injury Accident Attorney
If you have been injured due to the negligence of a Distracted Driver, or if someone you care about has been injured, or tragically killed due to a Distracted Driving-related crash, you will need the guidance of a skilled and trusted Personal Injury Lawyer. These types of cases can be very complex, and insurance companies will be hesitant to pay out maximum compensation. At SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation, we work with a top-notch team of legal experts, to build the best possible case in support of your claim. Call our San Bernardino office today, 909.884.6451, and ask to speak with one of our Personal Injury Attorneys. You may also use our online Contact Form, to send us an email, and we will be in touch with you right away.
